Department of Information Science
Our postgraduate programmes fall in the category of "scarce skills" as defined by the SA government. In addition, the programmes in Socio-Informatics belong to the group of SET (science and technology) subjects.
The point of departure is the phenomenon of the knowledge economy and society as it is driven by knowledge-based systems in organisations and societies. Our claim that the primary purpose of such systems is to contribute to more accountable decision making in conditions of complexity, means that our programmes distinguish themselves clearly from the standard South African ones.
The Department houses the
Centre for Knowledge Dynamics and Decision-making.
areas of specialisation include -
Information and Knowledge Management
The focus of the Stellenbosch MIKM as a whole is the management of organisations. However, organisations are primarily viewed through the lens of knowledge and information flows and the associated technologies that mediate such flows. This distinguishes the MIKM from other management programmes that view organisations through the lens of finance.
Unlike most other management programs, the MIKM is focused on understanding the dynamics of organisational knowledge. According to the view taken in the MIKM, knowledge is not merely one of the resources of an organisation, it is the basis for organisations' capability to use their resources productively and to navigate future changes successfully.
The BInfHons (Information Systems Management) programme equips students with advanced knowledge of and skills in technological systems and their integration with human and social dynamics. A particular focus is on the development of knowledge-based systems aimed at improved efficiency and decision making in organisations and society.
This intensive one-year programme consists of contact teaching and an independent project.
The one-year
MPhil programme comprises a research project in the field of the management of, leadership in and strategic development of knowledge intensive organisations. It may be followed only by those who have passed the Postgraduate Diploma in Knowledge and Information Systems Management with at least 65%.
Socio-informatics
